Receding gums can be an irritating and unpleasant condition. Your gums have the job of sealing the inner workings of your teeth and roots. When that seal shrinks away, your roots can be exposed, bacteria and food can get caught in the spaces, and all of this opens you up to further infection. Appearance-wise, your teeth will start to look longer as your gums recede. Your Kentucky dentist, Dr. Darlene Henry, offers advice on how to stop the progression of gum disease.

A Brief Overview of Gum Disease

Gingival tissue (gums) prevents food from settling in the darkest recesses of your teeth. When we don’t take care of our teeth and gums, they are both at risk for infection. Different types of bacteria create gum disease and tooth decay, but tartar (calcified plaque) exacerbates both issues. Keeping your teeth free of plaque and tartar will help keep your gums healthy, so they’re not susceptible to deeper infection. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, wherein gums become puffy and bleed easily. If not tended to, this can segue into periodontitis (severe gum disease) which includes periodontal pockets and gum recession.

Avoiding Gum Recession

There is a certain degree of gum recession that can happen with age, even when gum disease is not present. However, the expedient recession occurs with gum disease, teeth grinding, poorly done dental work, and over-crowded teeth that are difficult to clean properly. To do your best to avoid gum recession, invest in a high quality toothbrush. Replace manual toothbrushes every 4 weeks. An electric toothbrush should be given a new head replacement every 3 months. If you are a teeth grinder, get fitted by your dentist with a mouthguard to be worn at night. In general, visit the dentist every 6 months, without fail, and brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. Your gums will likely thank you by sticking around a lot longer.

Visit your Kentucky Area Family Dentist

If you are in need of a dental checkup, call your family dentist, Dr. Henry.  You can reach our 41018 dentist office at 859-344-8500. We are happy to provide comprehensive dentistry serve families from Cincinnati, Crestview Hills, Ft. Mitchell, Florence, Union, Independence, Taylor Mill, and other Kentucky neighborhoods.